The recent election held on November 5 in Lenawee County, Michigan, featured a competitive landscape for candidates vying for seats in the Michigan House of Representatives. The election served as a platform for voters in various districts, including the 30th, 31st, 34th, and 35th House Districts, to express their preferences for local representation. While some incumbent candidates celebrated their re-election victories, others were met with defeats at the hands of newly emerging candidates. This mixture of outcomes illustrates the dynamic nature of state-level politics, as well as the diverse political preferences of the electorate within Lenawee County.
In the 30th House District, which encompasses Deerfield and Ridgeway townships, along with parts of Blissfield Township, incumbent Republican William Bruck emerged victorious. Bruck secured a total of 1,355 votes in Lenawee County, contributing to an overall tally of 33,274 votes across his full district. His opponent, Democrat Rick Kull, garnered 498 votes in Lenawee, adding up to a total of 18,278 votes. Bruck, who is a lifelong resident of Monroe County and was first elected in November 2022, represents a district that also includes portions of Monroe County, demonstrating his established presence and ongoing appeal among voters.
In a tighter race within the 31st House District, incumbent Democrat Reggie Miller triumphed over Republican challenger Dale Biniecki with a statewide total of 22,103 to 21,413 votes. Interestingly, Biniecki managed to outperform Miller in Lenawee County, receiving 626 votes to Miller’s 233. This district encompasses Macon Township in Lenawee County and stretches into several townships and municipalities across Wayne County. The contrasting vote totals between the candidates highlight the nuanced electoral landscape, suggesting that local sentiments may not align with broader statewide trends.
The 34th House District will experience a significant change in representation, as Nancy Jenkins-Arno, a Republican and current Lenawee County Commissioner, is set to succeed Dale Zorn in this role. Jenkins-Arno won decisively with 31,080 votes compared to 17,432 votes for her Democratic opponent, John Dahlgren. Serving all of Lenawee County aside from specific regions, Jenkins-Arno’s victory signals a continued Republican presence in the area. Her previous experience in the State House from 2011 to 2016, along with her role on the county board, positions her well to represent her constituents effectively when she assumes office on January 1, 2025.
In the 35th House District, which includes the city of Hudson in Lenawee County, Republican newcomer Jennifer Wortz won a landslide victory over Democrat Don Hicks. Wortz received 33,644 votes statewide and 682 in Lenawee County, while Hicks garnered only 11,772 votes overall and 282 in the county. This district also covers all of Branch and Hillsdale counties, and Wortz will take over from Andrew Fink, who chose to pursue a seat on the Michigan Supreme Court. Wortz’s substantial win indicates strong support for her candidacy, and her entry into the state legislature could represent a shift toward new leadership within the region.
Overall, the election results for the House of Representatives in Lenawee County reflect a mix of continuity and change, illustrating both the persistent support for incumbents and the opportunities for newcomers to make their mark. The varying results across districts underscore the complexity of voter sentiment in Michigan, particularly as candidates navigate diverse communities with different priorities and needs. As newly elected representatives settle into their roles, they will face the challenge of addressing the concerns of their constituents while also being mindful of the shifting political landscape in Michigan.
